What Is Poloxamer 237?
Poloxamer 237 is a man-made ingredient created by linking together two types of simple building blocks, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, into a repeating block-style chain. The result is a nonionic surfactant that mixes easily with both water and oil. First developed in the 1950s as part of a family of polymers called poloxamers, it soon found a place in personal care because of its gentle cleansing action and ability to keep oil and water blended. Manufacturing involves controlled, step-by-step polymerization of propylene oxide followed by ethylene oxide, producing a stable waxy solid that is then milled into a fine powder or melted into a liquid concentrate. You will most often spot Poloxamer 237 in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shower gels, baby wipes, toners, sheet masks and other rinse-off products where a mild yet effective surfactant is needed.
Poloxamer 237’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas Poloxamer 237 serves two main roles that improve product performance and user experience.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts dirt, oil and makeup from the surface of skin or hair then helps them rinse away without the tight, squeaky feel harsher detergents can cause.
- Emulsifying: It stabilizes mixtures that contain both water and oil, keeping creams, gels and liquids smooth and uniform so the active ingredients are delivered evenly with each use.
Who Can Use Poloxamer 237
Because it is a mild, nonionic surfactant, Poloxamer 237 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. People prone to irritation often prefer it over stronger sulfates since it cleans without stripping natural moisture. No specific skin type needs to avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to poloxamers.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, so products formulated with Poloxamer 237 are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No evidence shows that topical Poloxamer 237 poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used as directed, though this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.
Poloxamer 237 is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it does not make skin more reactive to sunlight. It is odorless, colorless and compatible with most other cosmetic ingredients, so it rarely interferes with actives like retinol or vitamin C and will not affect sunscreen performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes only and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild transient redness or stinging
- Dryness if used in very high concentrations or in formulas lacking moisturizers
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a rare sensitivity to poloxamers
If irritation or any other unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non comedogenic)
Poloxamer 237 is a large water-soluble molecule that rinses away easily and does not form an occlusive film on skin. Because it sits on the surface only long enough to lift away oil and dirt then is washed off, it has virtually no chance to clog pores. Most published ingredient reference charts list poloxamers at the very bottom of the comedogenic scale or do not rate them at all, further supporting a score of 0.
That means products using Poloxamer 237 are generally a safe pick for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind the full formula still matters. Heavy oils, waxes or butters paired with Poloxamer 237 could raise the pore-clogging potential of the finished product even though the poloxamer itself is non comedogenic.
Summary
Poloxamer 237 is a mild synthetic surfactant that cleanses by surrounding dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away while also acting as an emulsifier to keep water and oil mixed in a stable finished product. Thanks to these two roles it appears in micellar waters makeup removers baby wipes face washes and other rinse-off items, though it is still less common than headline ingredients like sulfates or coco-glucoside.
The ingredient has a solid safety record, is non comedogenic, works for all skin types and is vegan friendly. Adverse reactions are rare, but as with any new cosmetic it is wise to perform a quick patch test the first time you try a product containing Poloxamer 237 just to make sure your skin agrees with it.